Picking Your Perfect Theme Park Adventure
Deciding between Disney and Universal is tough. Both have something special to offer you and your family memories you'll never forget. Disney is timeless, magical and nostalgic. Universal is thrilling, high tech, and full of movie magic. No matter if you're going with kids or friends, or are traveling solo, here's what you need to know about each park to decide where you want to spend your days (or if you want to spend them at both! ).
1. The Disney Magic
You can’t mention Disney without talking about magic. From walking under the castle to watching the nighttime parades there’s magic everywhere you look. Disney has a nostalgic feeling you don’t see much these days.
2. Attractions for Everyone
Disney rides are family-friendly and there’s literally something for everyone. Hop on a slow boat ride “It’s a Small World” or get blasted by famous pirates on Pirates of the Caribbean. There’s rarely an age limit on how much fun you can have!
3. Meet Your Favorite Characters
Meeting Mickey, Minnie, and every Disney character will make your kids squeal with excitement. From hugging your favorite characters to goofing around for pictures, you can spend your whole trip snapping photos. You might even get some random celebrities characters popping in.
4. Disneyland Shows/Parades
Disney really knows how to throw down with their shows. They’re not simple performances, they’re high-quality productions filled with storylines, catchy music, and jaw-dropping costumes. Between fireworks, character cavalcades, and parades, you could spend your whole day hopping from show to show and still not see them all!
5. Attention to Detail
Whether you’re visiting Marvel’s Avengers Campus or walking through Fantasyland everything you see is connected. From the music you hear, to the theming on rides, to even the smells around each land. Disney takes great pride in making sure you feel immersed in your surroundings.
6. Holidays
Disney really knows how to celebrate holidays. Every year they decorate their parks for Halloween, Christmas, and special limited-time celebrations. You’ll find unique snacks, decorations, and themed attractions to celebrate every season.
7. Fun Dining Options
Whether you want character breakfasts or themed dinners there’s no shortage of unique foods to try at Disney. Disney has food from just about every movie you can think of, or restaurants that are themed after your favorite films. And the best part is, even picky eaters will find something they love here.
8. Customer Service
Every Cast Member at Disney is trained to keep your vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Lose an item? They’ll help you find it. Need directions? They’ve got you. The customer service at Disney is one of the many reasons it’s the happiest place on Earth.
9. Thrill Rides Too
Lots of people think that Disney is just for kids. Disney has some of the biggest and baddest coasters out there. Big falls, wild velocity, and immersive theming you can experience it all at Disney. So you can please both your thrills-seeker and your toddler at Disneyland!
10. Disney Nighttime Shows
Whether you’re watching the fireworks or one of Disney’s epic projection shows, there’s something magical about seeing it all come together in the castle. The amount of detail that goes into their nighttime entertainment will leave you speechless time and time again. It’s going to be a trip you won’t soon forget!
With going over Disneyland and all it has to offer, it’s time we talked about why Universal often takes the cake for adrenaline junkies and lovers of technology.
1. State of the Art Rides
Universal spends millions upon millions of dollars creating the world’s most advanced rides. Everything is picture-perfect and rides have some of the best movie-like theming you’ll find. Ride vehicles have motion simulators, many rides use 3D glasses, and sets are jaw-dropping.
2. Harry Potter Worlds
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you’re probably already screaming internally and calling this one. Universal has Diagon Alley, butterbeer, magical creatures, and even dragon rides through Hogsmeade. Universal Orlando completely transported me into the Wizarding World and made me feel like I was actually in Harry Potter.
3. Big Thrill Rides
Let’s talk about coasters and adrenaline-pumping, scream-worthy attractions. Universal has bigger drops, faster launches, and faster speeds. They have everything from intense coasters to stomach-churning sims. Universal has it all if you’re into that kind of thrill.
4. More Adult Humor
Universal caters more towards tweens and adults with darker humor, scarier rides, and overall edgier theming. If you’re wanting a more adult-friendly park, while still letting your inner-child have fun too, Universal is the way to go. But don’t take this the wrong way, because you can take your whole family regardless of their age, and everyone will have fun!
5. Everything is Based on Movies
You’ve already read this but Universal takes it to the next level. Ride through Africa and battle King Kong, get chased by Dinosaurs and fly away from a volcano eruption, or drive like you’re in The Fast and The Furious. Exploring Universal feels like walking into a movie!
6. Seasonal Halloween Events
If you like to scream and be scared walking through attractions, Universal is where it’s at. Universal Halloween Horror Nights is legendary and will give you nightmares, in the best way possible. These kinds of experiences are perfect for those who are looking for that extra adrenaline rush.
7. Highly Interactive Special Effects
Universal isn’t your average theme park with rides. They take advantage of incredible animatronics, video mapping projections, and virtual reality to blow guests away. Every ride is an adrenaline-fueled adventure that will have you telling your friends about it for years to come.
8. Shorter Wait Times (Depends on Time of Year)
This will also depend on when you’re visiting but overall rides at Universal can be less crowded than Disney. Many rides even have single-rider lines which are great if you don’t mind being separated from your party. You’ll be able to experience more rides if you time these rides right.
9. Bars and Whimsical Dining Experiences
Universal not only has themed bars, but quirky dining experiences that’ll have you laughing from meals like The Simpsons or Marvel restaurants. You can sip on your drink and still feel immersed into your favorite movie worlds. Some of the drinks you can find at Universal will make you wanna come back again!
10. They Perfectly Combine Thrills With Storyline
Everyone loves roller coasters but Universal does them one better. You’re not just riding for the thrills, you’re running away from danger like you’re in the movies. Meet your favorite movie characters and feel suspenseful chills like you’re part of a movie.
